Gateron Lunar Probe vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Pine both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Lunar Probe is praised for its dual rail mechanism that ensures stable and consistent keypresses, delivering an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Pine stands out for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth operation, and effortless typing experience, thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. While the Lunar Probe is known for its stability and consistency, the Pine offers a luxurious typing experience with a focus on smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the KTT Pine both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the sound clarity and resonance, especially if RGB lighting is involved. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and providing a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and clear sound profile of polycarbonate, offering a consistent sound experience across the switch.

Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Lunar Probe and the Pine switches derive their unique sound profiles from the top housings. The top housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The Nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe brings a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the crisper sound from the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine. This distinction in bottom housing materials allows for a varied typing experience between the two switches, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and KTT Pine share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Lunar Probe offers a deeper and fuller sound with its Nylon bottom housing, while the Pine maintains a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with subtle differences in sound and feel that cater to individual preferences.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch are quite different. The Lunar Probe has a lighter actuation and bottom out force of 45 grams and 50 grams, respectively, providing a smoother and lighter typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, so users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing experience, with the Lunar Probe being lighter and the Pine offering a heavier touch.

Travel distance

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lunar Probe. The difference may not be significant to the average user, but for those who are sensitive to variations in travel distance, it could impact the overall typing experience. The Lunar Probe's shorter travel distance may provide a faster response time, which could be preferred by gamers seeking quick input recognition. On the other hand, the Pine's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial keypress feel that some users appreciate for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is praised for its subtle and smooth sound signature, emphasizing the linear sensation without any distracting noise. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard layout and keycap material used, so it's essential to consider these when selecting a switch based on sound preferences.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is recognized for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses with a seamless typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Pine switch is described as medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and effortlessly providing a uniform typing sensation. With both switches offering a buttery and creamy feel, users can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances the overall typing comfort and efficiency.

Overall, both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch excel in providing a smooth and consistent typing experience, with slight differences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a subtle sound signature and stable keypresses like the Lunar Probe or a bassy and buttery smooth typing experience like the Pine, both switches offer high-quality performance and comfort for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a subtle sound signature, the Lunar Probe may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile, the Pine switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, it's important to choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences for sound and feel to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more